τεκμήριον
tekmḗrion
G5039 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An objective sign, indication, or piece of positive evidence that firmly establishes the validity or certainty of a matter; in broader usage, anything that serves as reliable proof or unambiguous demonstration. The term denotes not just any evidence, but that of a decisive, unmistakable, or conclusive character. In extended contexts, refers to arguments, legal proofs, or logical demonstrations that remove reasonable doubt.
Semantic Range
conclusive proof, unmistakable evidence, objective demonstration, reliable criterion, boundary mark, logical proof, unambiguous sign
Root / Etymology
From the root τεκμήρ (tekmēr), meaning a fixed mark, boundary, or sure sign, + the neuter noun ending -ιον (-ion). Related to τέκμαρ, a word attested from Homer onward meaning 'a fixed mark, goal, or sign.' Greek poetic and literary tradition uses the term to denote boundary stones, markers, or clear signs.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek (from Homeric through Hellenistic periods), τεκμήριον refers to objective, unambiguous evidence by which a fact is established: in legal discourse, it is the compelling proof that settles a matter; in rhetoric or philosophy, it means a logical demonstration. The term distinguishes itself from σημεῖον (semeion, 'sign'), which can refer to a sign or omen that may be ambiguous or open to interpretation. τεκμήριον, by contrast, carries the sense of certainty or the removal of doubt, often linked with rigorous reasoning or proof. In Koine usage (as in the only New Testament occurrence, Acts 1:3), it emphasizes not simply indications or clues, but that which serves as decisive and infallible evidence, hence the translation 'infallible proof.' This precision is harder to convey in English, which sometimes uses 'proof,' 'evidence,' or 'demonstration,' but may lose the nuance of certainty intrinsic to the Greek. The semantic strength of τεκμήριον is retained throughout Hellenistic literature and rhetorical treatises.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of a presumed derivative of (a goal or fixed limit); a token (as defining a fact), i.e. criterion of certainty:--infallible proof.
Root Family
τεκμήριον (tekmērion) — objective sign, certain proof, decisive evidence
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5039-01 |
τεκμηρίοις | tekmeriois | N DAT N PL |
proofs | by decisive proofs | proofs | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5039-01 |
Acts 1:3 | τεκμηρίοις | tekmeriois | N DAT N PL |
proofs | by decisive proofs | proofs |